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FTC Investigates Media Matters Over Alleged Collusion in X Advertiser Boycotts

The federal probe seeks documents on potential coordination among watchdog groups accused by Elon Musk of orchestrating ad pullouts from his social media platform.

A view of signage at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) headquarters in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 24, 2024. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo/File Photo
A 3D-printed miniature model of Elon Musk and the X logo are seen in this illustration taken January 23, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
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Overview

  • The FTC has issued a civil investigative demand to Media Matters, requesting documents on its communications with other media watchdog groups, including the Global Alliance for Responsible Media.
  • The investigation escalates scrutiny into allegations that Media Matters and allied organizations coordinated advertiser boycotts targeting X, formerly known as Twitter.
  • FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson emphasized the need to address unlawful collusion and advertiser boycotts that could harm competition among platforms.
  • X and Media Matters are engaged in ongoing federal lawsuits, with X accusing Media Matters of defamation and Media Matters countering with claims of abusive litigation.
  • Advertising spending on X is projected to rise in 2025 for the first time since Musk's acquisition, though it remains below pre-2022 levels.